ABC’s sudsy “Grey’s Anatomy” passed a big test in the ratings and is earning a big reward.

The Sunday night drama about young doctors with very active social lives was among the 10 most popular shows last week, even though it was not preceded by an original episode of “Desperate Housewives.”

“Grey’s Anatomy” is relentlessly promoted each week during “Desperate Housewives” and until it proved itself, there was always doubt it could thrive on its own. But it drew 2.6 million more viewers than the “Desperate” rerun Sunday, indicating it has an audience that will seek it out.

ABC announced that “Grey’s Anatomy” will get the plum time slot after the Super Bowl, which ABC is telecasting Feb. 5.

“`Grey’s Anatomy’ is a huge asset for this network and is fast becoming one of America’s favorite Sunday night events,” said ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson. “The producers are preparing a great episode that will appeal to new viewers as well as devoted fans.”

During World Series week, just before the start of November ratings sweeps, networks offered a lineup clogged with reruns. It was a missed opportunity for everyone but Fox: the Series lasted the minimum four games and was the lowest-rated Fall Classic ever.

Highlights include CBS’ “NCIS,” which has slowly built into a major hit and Tuesday night’s favorite show. Viewers have also responded to the ongoing cold war between Rory and Lorelai on “Gilmore Girls,” making last week’s episode (with guest Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state) the week’s most popular show on either the WB or UPN.

Meanwhile, not every new drama strikes gold on ABC. “Night Stalker” last Thursday was seen by just under 5 million viewers, or about one-fifth the audience of the competing “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” rerun.

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